City: Fort Story, VA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (757) 422-9421

Address: 583 Atlantic Ave.

Description: The Cape Henry Lighthouse is no longer operational and probably would have been torn down decades ago had the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, which now operates the site, not stepped up in 1896 to place a tablet on it commemorating the first landing of English colonists on Virginia shores. You can climb the spiral staircase inside right to the top where the lens no longer burns. The views from there are wonderful, out over the ocean and bay and back toward the resort area. But do wear shoes and clothing fit for climbing. The octagonal structure was the first to be ordered and built by the U.S. government. It began lighting the way into the Chesapeake Bay in 1792, and was damaged by Confederate troops to keep Union troops from using it. And when cracks were discovered on six of the eight cut-stone sides in 1872, experts predicted it would soon collapse into the sea. It was closed and a new lighthouse built of cast iron rose 357 feet away. That second Cape Henry Lighthouse went online in 1881 and is still operating. The predictions of doom were unfounded, though. Congress conveyed the old lighthouse to the APVA in 1930, and the group has been letting the public in ever since. It’s prominent in the City Seal of Virginia Beach. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Nov to mid Mar and until 5 p.m. from Mar 16 to Oct 31. Admission is $4, $2 for children 3 to 12. It is on a military base, so you’ll need photo ID and proof of auto ownership. And visitors have to be at least 42 inches tall to climb the 191 steps inside the light.